1. < Fibromyalgia

Feeling at my wits end with Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia

Posted by Jen, Alumna Mentor @sandytoes14, Aug 19, 2019

Usually I am not one to share much of my personal story but here goes...I have what is called moderate to severe degenerative disc disease, arthritis of the spine C3-C7 and lumbar spine, and Fibromyalgia. In the 20 years Ive had pain, I"ve been though many treatments including PT, tens unit, bio feedback,injections, nerve ablations, you name it. I'm prescribed Cymbalta 60 mg for Fibro and anxiety as well as 225 mg of Lyrica. I have been on and off various painkillers too. I'm currently on a long acting oxycodone of 13.5 mg and once a day one 15 mg of IR oxycodone. This has been my regime for a few months now as I switched from 15 mg IR oxycodone. Now for those who are worried about me ODing...I understand. I actually hype-vigilant about my meds. (And I have my hubby and son who watch) Years ago I was on 15 mg Fentanyl patch for 10 months and came off it in one month with no side effects.
Right now I'm really struggling with this rotten pain. I have no appetite, either can't sleep or nap during the day.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Fibromyalgia Support Group.

lioness | @lioness | Dec 17, 2019

@parus I miss the good old days too but here in my Sr building we still write Christmas cards sent some back east and will send some online Bless those in storms way bundle up be save

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lioness | @lioness | Dec 17, 2019
In reply to @sandytoes14 "I had to share a couple photos of my Christmas cactus. I just noticed that it..." + (show)
@sandytoes14

I had to share a couple photos of my Christmas cactus. I just noticed that it is filled with buds and has quite a few blossoms. Happy Tuesday. My your heart be blessed. Be kind, it costs nothing but can be priceless.

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@sandytoes14 Beautiful cactus Use to have one but now have terrium here's a picture of it
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Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Dec 17, 2019
In reply to @parus "@mamacita Hello there. I am not very tech savvy either. I am constantly misplacing my cell..." + (show)
@parus

@mamacita Hello there. I am not very tech savvy either. I am constantly misplacing my cell phone, can't keep things straight. I can see where technology is advancement and also where it is replacing people and turning the human race into tech zombies. Everywhere I go others are text-text-texting on their phones, yak-yak-yaking on their phones, stores playing network music... Enough to drive me back to my woman's cave and it does.
A line I use when registering for blood work, etc, and directed to use the computers lining the walls is, "I'm sorry I am technologically impaired". I take on the appearance of a lost individual and being pathetic-it works!!!! When I am stressed nothing works and it takes me longer to register.
I miss getting Christmas cards and all the simple things that made life special and worth living. Succumbing to a machine is dehumanizing which is what it has been designed to do-something about equality for all.
Dismounting soapbox and keeping you and yours in my thoughts.

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I appreciate this post (from a younger perspective) and agree agree agree. PS...I still send Christmas cards. 😊

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karen00 | @karen00 | Dec 17, 2019
In reply to @parus "@karen00 Hello once again. Yes, I have been MIA. All in all I am doing well..." + (show)
@parus

@karen00 Hello once again. Yes, I have been MIA. All in all I am doing well with all of the ups and downs. I am presuming you did not lose your apartment. How are things going for you health wise? I have undergone a cervical rhizotomy which has provided some relief as long as I do not try and do too much. Holidays can be rough. I made up my mind to try and not delve into the past as there is no benefit in doing so. I try doing little acts of kindness and/or thoughtful things. I have discovered it can be contagious in a positive way and not like the hellacious intestinal bug that worked a number on me trying to snatch away my Christmas spirit. I am happy and relieved it has past and did not take my Christmas spirit as it left. I surely have cleansed intestines at this point in time.
Good to see you are still connected. 🙂

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@parus hey Parus, so the rhizotomy went well? I looked it up to get more info on it. I didn’t know anything about them. Can you feel relief? Glad you squashed the bug! I’m very lucky that I haven’t had a bug this winter - although it feels like spring now. The temp is 65! We’re in the South, but that’s about 20 degrees too warm for this time of year. I can’t remember if I’ve told you where I live. I’m in Cary, NC - right outside of Raleigh. I just found out my iron is extremely low and have to get IV iron. I’ll be glad because the side effects aren’t good. I am dizzy, weak, and shaky. I have a hard time on my walker and don’t feel safe when I walk. Anyway, it’s always something, right? ......Karen

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1 reply
Parus | @parus | Dec 17, 2019
In reply to @sandytoes14 "I had to share a couple photos of my Christmas cactus. I just noticed that it..." + (show)
@sandytoes14

I had to share a couple photos of my Christmas cactus. I just noticed that it is filled with buds and has quite a few blossoms. Happy Tuesday. My your heart be blessed. Be kind, it costs nothing but can be priceless.

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@sandytoes14 WOW!!! I am impressed. These plants are so unpredictable in blooming. So true about kindness. We never know what a smile and/or a kind word can do.

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Parus | @parus | Dec 17, 2019
In reply to @karen00 "@parus hey Parus, so the rhizotomy went well? I looked it up to get more info..." + (show)
@karen00

@parus hey Parus, so the rhizotomy went well? I looked it up to get more info on it. I didn’t know anything about them. Can you feel relief? Glad you squashed the bug! I’m very lucky that I haven’t had a bug this winter - although it feels like spring now. The temp is 65! We’re in the South, but that’s about 20 degrees too warm for this time of year. I can’t remember if I’ve told you where I live. I’m in Cary, NC - right outside of Raleigh. I just found out my iron is extremely low and have to get IV iron. I’ll be glad because the side effects aren’t good. I am dizzy, weak, and shaky. I have a hard time on my walker and don’t feel safe when I walk. Anyway, it’s always something, right? ......Karen

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@karen00 Hoping the iron boost will be helpful.

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faithann64 | @faithann64 | Mar 7, 2020

Male and 56 ,.,.. Just found out I have degenerative arthritis in the spine ! Have had pain in the past but a little over a month ago the pain has gotten really bad. Also some spurring in the lower lumbar spine. So I'm pretty sure there's no cure but would like to know if this will get worse as I age and what treatments are available ? Not a fan of pain killers but the pain just keeps getting worse ! What is long term affects can I expect and will there come a point where I can't work anymore ? Thank you if someone could give me some answers ;))

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1 reply
lioness | @lioness | Mar 7, 2020

@faithand64 Welcome to connect where a lot of us have the same problems you are speaking of . The best you can do to get on the right track is go to a rheumatologist to get on some pain for you arthritis there is no cure for this . A pain management or orthopedic Dr. for your bone spurs would be best just my opinion but I have 2 back fractures and plenty of O.A. we aren't Dr,s but this is the best I can do for you Best of luck

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1 reply
faithann64 | @faithann64 | Mar 7, 2020
In reply to @lioness "@faithand64 Welcome to connect where a lot of us have the same problems you are speaking..." + (show)
@lioness

@faithand64 Welcome to connect where a lot of us have the same problems you are speaking of . The best you can do to get on the right track is go to a rheumatologist to get on some pain for you arthritis there is no cure for this . A pain management or orthopedic Dr. for your bone spurs would be best just my opinion but I have 2 back fractures and plenty of O.A. we aren't Dr,s but this is the best I can do for you Best of luck

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Thank you.

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Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Mar 9, 2020
In reply to @faithann64 "Male and 56 ,.,.. Just found out I have degenerative arthritis in the spine ! Have..." + (show)
@faithann64

Male and 56 ,.,.. Just found out I have degenerative arthritis in the spine ! Have had pain in the past but a little over a month ago the pain has gotten really bad. Also some spurring in the lower lumbar spine. So I'm pretty sure there's no cure but would like to know if this will get worse as I age and what treatments are available ? Not a fan of pain killers but the pain just keeps getting worse ! What is long term affects can I expect and will there come a point where I can't work anymore ? Thank you if someone could give me some answers ;))

Jump to this post

@faithann64

I'm 69, and I'm experiencing some similar pain issues, with OA in a few areas, compression fractures in my lower back, have had spurs scraped away, bursitis and torn menisci repair in my right knee, and recent surgery on my left ankle that was unstable. The orthopedist repaired torn ligaments and put in a permanent internal brace. So, getting older is hard.

I see a pain specialist, primarily for my peripheral polyneuropathy, and I have several good doctors for my various pains. I haven't seen a rheumatologist yet, but maybe we both could benefit by finding one. Arthritis is probably something that can only be cared for by treating the symptoms, usually with NSAIDS. There are lots of creams for arthritis pain - I use Voltaren, a topical prescription NSAID pain reliever. Of course, every pain medication is temporary. The trick is finding things that work for you.

So, are you thinking about what steps you can take to treat your pain? Your primary care doctor should be able to get you referrals to the appropriate specialists. If you talk with a pharmacist, they could be a great resource. Best wishes.

Jim

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